SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." But does that really mean Christians should never talk about giving? In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible—and why misreading it has quietly hurt generosity, discipleship, and spiritual growth in the church. Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was actually addressing (motive, not visibility), why public generosity shows up all over Scripture, and how sharing testimonies—when done with the right heart—can inspire radical obedience in others. This isn't about bragging. It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Matthew 6 is about motive, not secrecy How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too The difference between generosity that inspires vs generosity that performs Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus) How generosity becomes contagious when stories are shared Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet" Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias & Sapphira Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church & contagious generosity A Key Takeaway God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake. He's after hearts that give for His glory, not human applause. Some generosity should be quiet. Some testimonies are meant to be shared. The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way. Action Item for This Week Ask God one simple question in prayer: "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?" Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable. Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen. 👉 If this episode helped clarify something you've wrestled with, share it with a friend who needs this conversation. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not individualized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel as you apply biblical principles to your own life. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Rethink faith as something received from God rather than mustered by willpower. Explore how Hebrews 11 defines faith as evidence and assurance. Discover the importance of abiding in Jesus for spiritual growth. Learn how to actively apply faith to finances through budgeting and practical steps. Bob and Linda highlight teaching Scripture, community, and the transformative power of hearing God's word. Plus, they share real-life examples from the Bible that illustrate obedience by faith.

Bob and Linda share their journey through a difficult season where differing views on giving threatened their marriage. They discuss the importance of unity and nurturing grace in financial decisions. Listeners learn about a budgeting tool allowing for personal spending while maintaining joint accounts. The couple emphasizes the need for prayerful discernment and waiting for God's timing, encouraging couples to seek a third option rather than a simple divide. Their heartfelt insights offer hope to those navigating similar challenges.

Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as the ultimate freedom, but reality tells a different story. Bob and Linda reveal the hidden struggles, including the high mental health challenges faced by founders and the glamorization of business on social media. They emphasize that success often comes from repeated failures and the importance of prayer and purpose over profit. Listeners are encouraged to discern their true calling, whether it's a business venture or faithful service in a more traditional role. It's a refreshing take on what it really means to be an entrepreneur.

Mark Batterson, a bestselling author and pastor, shares insights on long-term growth and the power of gradual breakthroughs. He emphasizes that most "overnight successes" take decades and reveals what 95-year-olds regret most. Mark discusses a 25-year mindset for parenting, the importance of long-range thinking, and staying committed despite slow progress. He highlights how his debt-free church grew through small steps and community engagement, illustrating that faith and persistence lead to unexpected miracles.

A poignant reflection on parenting emerges as Bob and Linda discuss the transformative idea of the '$50,000 Moment.' They explore how a simple bedtime can hold immense value, prompting parents to cherish fleeting details they often overlook. The discussion intertwines biblical wisdom with real-world applications, emphasizing the importance of presence over distraction. By sharing personal stories and practical prompts, they inspire listeners to engage fully with their loved ones, creating lasting memories that truly matter.

Just a 4-minute little reminder today! What if one short, 29-word sentence from the Bible could shift the atmosphere in your home, change how you see your finances, and remind you that God Himself has placed His name on you? In this episode, Bob & Linda dive into the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 — a prayer that God commanded to be spoken over His people. You've probably heard it before, maybe even sung it in church, but chances are you've never fully realized its power in your daily life 📖 Scripture highlight: "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." (Numbers 6:24–26, NLT) 💡 This week's action step: Speak the Aaronic blessing out loud once a day—over yourself, your family, or your finances. Notice how it shifts your mindset and brings peace. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."

In this episode, I sat down with PJ Vescovi — financial advisor, pastor, and author of The Great Money Reform — and this one's going to challenge you in the best way possible. We dove deep into the 5 keys to being a truly good steward, not just in theory, but in daily decisions. PJ's insights are fire — especially his stories around radical generosity, godly work ethic, and the real reason you're not walking in financial freedom. This isn't your average money conversation. This is faith, finance, and focus colliding in a way that'll leave you rethinking how you spend, give, invest, and even parent. If you've ever asked: "How do I know if I'm being obedient with my money?" "Am I managing my finances with intentionality, or just winging it?" "Why is God calling me to give something that doesn't make sense financially?" Then this episode is your blueprint. Resources & Links Mentioned: PJ Vescovi's book: The Great Money Reform — https://amzn.to/4qOTuN0 Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud — http://amzn.to/3XMPfA0 Atomic Habits by James Clear — https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Get our award-winning book Simple Money, Rich Life — http://seedtime.com/free Let's be a generation that stewards well — not just for ourselves, but for the Kingdom. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel(https://youtu.be/pCExM8e7A18)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 900 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

71% of Americans admit they're losing sleep over money—but Jesus already gave us the cure in the most famous sermon ever preached. In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack the surprising connection between mammon, anxiety, and misplaced treasure—and share the one simple prayer that can break financial fear and open the door to God's peace and provision. They walk through Matthew 6:19–34, revealing how birds and lilies understand something most believers forget: your value isn't in what you own—it's in who owns you. What You'll Learn: The hidden link between serving mammon and constant money stress Why Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are a direct cure for financial anxiety The "treasure principle" that keeps peace and provision flowing How comparison steals your provision (and how to stop) A practical, Biblical step you can take today to renounce financial fear Scripture References (NLT): Matthew 6:19–34 — "You cannot serve both God and money." Philippians 4:6–7 — "Don't worry about anything; pray about everything." Genesis 8:22 — "Seedtime and harvest will never cease." Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/BkqokuEOHM8) BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if the greatest danger in our giving isn't how much we give—but why we give? In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack one of the most shocking stories in Acts 5: the tale of Ananias and Sapphira. Why did God respond so severely—and what does it reveal about our own struggles with wealth, legacy, and generosity? Together, we wrestle with the tension between leaving an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22) and practicing radical generosity (Acts 4, Matthew 6:33). You'll hear how this tension has played out in our own finances, and we'll share a 4-part framework to help you align your money with God's priorities—without guilt, fear, or legalism. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the story of Ananias & Sapphira still convicts believers today. The hidden danger of looking generous versus being generous. How Barnabas modeled the right heart posture in giving. 4-part biblical framework for wealth + generosity: Provide, Preserve, Prioritize, Pivot. Practical questions to evaluate your heart when it comes to money Scripture Anchors (NLT): Acts 5:1–11 — The sobering story of Ananias & Sapphira. Proverbs 13:22 — "Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren…" Matthew 6:33 — "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…" 1 Timothy 5:8 — "Those who won't care for their relatives… have denied the true faith." Listen & Share: If this conversation challenged you, would you share it with a friend? Let's normalize radical obedience and kingdom generosity in today's world. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/_AonHZ0jWnk) BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.